{"id":1216,"date":"2025-08-10T11:43:43","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T09:43:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swazidailynews.com\/?p=1216"},"modified":"2025-08-10T11:43:43","modified_gmt":"2025-08-10T09:43:43","slug":"decentralisation-a-double-edged-sword-poised-to-close-eswatinis-wealth-gap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/genesisekucalenimedia.com\/edn\/1216\/business\/decentralisation-a-double-edged-sword-poised-to-close-eswatinis-wealth-gap\/","title":{"rendered":"Decentralisation: A Double-Edged Sword Poised to Close Eswatini\u2019s Wealth Gap"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Thokozani Mazibuko<\/span><\/p>\n

Decentralisation in Eswatini offers both promising opportunities and significant challenges for the private sector, according to local entrepreneur Bhekithemba Matsenjwa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The businessman, who runs the Helpers Office in Siteki, a hub supporting young entrepreneurs, told the\u00a0Eswatini Sunday\u00a0that when properly executed, decentralisation could foster greater local economic participation and better resource allocation, potentially unlocking investment tailored to the unique needs of communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDecentralisation brings mixed prospects,\u201d Matsenjwa said. \u201cIt can spur local ownership of development, attract targeted investments, and create economic momentum in rural areas. But without strong governance and consistent capacity at the local level, it risks leading to uneven outcomes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Matsenjwa emphasised that decentralisation could be key in narrowing the yawning divide between wealthy urban centres and impoverished rural communities\u00a0like\u00a0Maphungwane.\u00a0By shifting decision-making closer to the grassroots, local entrepreneurs would gain influence over development priorities, enabling projects better aligned with community strengths and needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

READ MORE: Senate President pledges Parliament\u2019s commitment to implementing the Grand Plan for National Transformation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThis means dormant business potential in rural settings can be awakened, driving new growth hubs across the country,\u201d he noted.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Matsenjwa cautioned that these benefits hinge on adequate capacity building, clear policies, and accountability structures. Without these, decentralisation could result in fragmented economic policy and inconsistent development trajectories.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cImagine local councils empowered to approve projects without proper training or strategic oversight; investments might decline, and sustainable growth could stall,\u201d he explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

Businesses\u00a0craving\u00a0stability worry that if regions pull in different directions, investors,\u00a0both domestic and foreign,\u00a0might hesitate.\u00a0Matsenjwa called for decentralisation efforts to be underpinned by a coordinated framework that harnesses local strengths while preserving national cohesion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGovernance must remain predictable and efficient. Decentralisation should be a tool to align economic growth, not splinter it,\u201d he warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

The entrepreneur\u00a0sees\u00a0targeted infrastructure investment and improved public services as\u00a0vital\u00a0to making decentralisation a\u00a0true\u00a0engine for balanced growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCombined with policies that encourage local enterprise, decentralisation can bridge urban-rural disparities and stimulate diversified economic development,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Decentralisation in Eswatini offers both promising opportunities and significant challenges for the private sector, according to local entrepreneur Bhekithemba Matsenjwa.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eswatini’s decentralisation ambitions echo reforms sweeping across Africa, with mixed lessons from countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana.<\/span><\/p>\n